Children that visit our office will receive necessary radiographs, a thorough exam, and discussion of orthodontic problems, plus a treatment plan presentation by Dr. Stich at no charge to determine the child's specific and individual needs. Patients and their parents will become very well informed. Dr. Stich provides these same patient examination services for adults, for a fee of $125.00. This amount will then be applied to the contract fee once you begin treatment.

At any age orthodontics can be something to smile about. Braces do change your appearance somewhat, but after a few days, the strangeness disappears and you will find friends or coworkers admiring you for choosing to improve your appearance and self-image. If you want the results, but not the look of braces, Dr. Stich can discuss with you the "clear" advanced ceramic braces. These modern clear braces are hardly noticeable and provide excellent results.

Your braces are custom-fit to your mouth. That way they move your teeth exactly as needed. Each part plays a role in this movement.

BRACKETS	ARCHWIRES	ELASTICS
BANDS
	HEADGEAR TUBES

Brackets are small squares attached to each tooth. They act like handles to hold the teeth on the archwires. They can be clear or silver.
Archwires are thin wires that connect between all of the teeth and apply light pressure to teeth and provide movement.
Elastics are rubber bands that connect the upper and lower braces. They apply pressure to move upper teeth against lower teeth and improve the bite. Elastics come in many colors and sizes. Click here for more information on elastics.
Bands are metal rings that go around the back teeth. They hold the brackets and archwires on the back teeth where most driving forces are applied.
Headgear Tubes hold the facebow of the headgear in place.

Follow these simple tips to ensure your appliances do their job!

To avoid damaging your appliances while eating:
1. Eat soft foods: (this is for initial placements)
Soups, pasta, rice, etc.
2. Cut chewy foods:
Cut chewy foods into smaller bite-size pieces
3. Eat sliced vegetables and fruit
4. Avoid sticky foods:
Bubble gum, jelly beans and sticky fruit snacks
5. Avoid hard, crunchy foods:
Hard candy and peanut brittle
6. Limit sugary foods:
Sweets and soft drinks that can cause tooth decay under the appliances

When you play sports:
Wear a mouthguard appropriate to your sport.

If you have a loose wire:
Gently tuck the wire back in place with a blunt object such as an eraser end of a pencil. If you can't nudge it back, cover the end with a piece of wax then call our office. We are here to answer your questions and keep you comfortable.

Brushing the right way:
When brushing your teeth, make sure you also brush between the brackets and gums. Don't forget to floss...there are many places food can get stuck in an appliance. Always use a soft brush and a fluoride toothpaste!

A retainer holds your teeth in their new position. Wear it as directed. If you don't wear it, your teeth may start to go back to where they were. When you take the retainer out, remember to:

• Brush it
• Rinse it
• Place it back in its case
• Make sure you keep it in the case when you are not wearing it.
• Make sure you don't leave your retainer in a warm place...they are plastic and can change shape.
  Click here to learn more about retainers.
  

Call or email Dr. Stich if you lose or break your retainer.

For more information on Invisalign or AAO visit their Web sites http://www.feeplan.com